The Cuyuna Lakes State Trail is a paved eight-mile trail running from Crosby to Riverton, inside the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. One mile passes through the City of Aitkin along State Highway 169. Abandoned by mining companies more than 35 years ago, the state recreation area contains six natural lakes, plus an additional 15 deep lakes that were former mine pits. Stop to fish, explore the Croft Mine, or ride the world-class single track mountain bike trail system with 25 miles of riding and over 30 purpose-built routes for riders at all levels.
- Landscape
Twenty-five miles of undeveloped shoreline can be explored by boat or canoe and anglers can cast a line for trout, Northerns, bass, crappies, sunfish, and walleyes.
- Virtual tours
These virtual tours show mountain biking opportunities located in the nearby Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, as well as divers exploring the mine lakes. Panoramic tour | Snapshot tour | Captioned video.
- Trail uses
There is no off-highway vehicle use on this trail. There is no snowmobiling on this trail, but there is an adjacent grant-in-aid snowmobile trail.
Accessible Outdoors (electric wheelchairs allowed)- Trail events
Events calendar
Scroll table right to see more »There are currently no event listings.
- Permits
- If you plan to park in the nearby state recreation area, you will need a vehicle permit.
- No other fees or passes are required to use the trail.
- Parking
Do not leave valuables in your vehicle!
Parking is available at the following trail accesses:
- Croft Mine Historical Park and trail head parking is located in Crosby. Follow Hwy 210/6 north into Crosby and follow the signs to the Croft Mine Historical Park or take 2nd Ave NE north to the "T" and then left to the park.
- Pennington Mine Lake Public Water Access is northeast of Ironton off of Portsmouth Mine Road.
- Portsmouth parking area is located at the west side of State Hwy 6 just north of Crosby.
- Riverton trail head: From Highway 210 and the intersection of County Road 59, go north 1 to the intersection of County Road 128, take a right and go to the intersection of Rowe Road, take a left and the trail parking lot entrance is on the right of Rowe Road.
- Restrooms
Restroom facilities are available along the trail at these points:
- Portsmouth Campground is a facility for campers near the facility, seasonally open.
- Most communities provide public restrooms nearby.
- Public Water Access locations often have seasonal toilets available.
Hiking
Biking
In-line skating
Mountain biking